Just got back from Hungary, happy to answer questions:-)
 

My wife and I just got back from Budapest about 2 weeks ago, and we loved it. Budapest is a typical "Mitteleuropaise" city or Central European city. We had a great time and are willing to answer any question you have about Budapest. We also visited the small towns of St. Endre, and Esztergom outside of Budapest, they were very nice and we are willing to answer any other questions you may have about them,

We plan four days in Budapest in July. Did the conflict in Serbia have any effect on you. Should we be concerned. Thanks for your help. <BR> <BR>

Do you have any recommendations for a spa? We're interested in a few hours to relax and get a massage.

No the conflict in Serbia had no effect on our travel at all. I think the conflict is really regional and will not spread north or west. Hungary is also a member of NATO and the Hungarians love to talk with Americans at least that was our observation. When asked at a store, where we were from, without thinking of how Europeans disliked Americans the word "America" came out from our mouths. automatically the man started going on about how his son was a foreign exchange student in Texas. As for the spas, I am sorry but we didn't go to any, but I have heard good things about them, so they should not be disapointing.

What did you enjoy most among the sites? Where did you stay? What advice from the forum was useful? Not useful? <BR>Inquiring fodorite wants to know :) <BR>

I loved Szentendre also! Did you east at the Golden Dragon? <BR>

We stayed at the Kutorinov in the Buda castle district. We enjoyed the Buda castle district very much. Matyas cathedral, Fisher's Bastion, the Buda castle, and the old fashioned buildings in the district were great. we also went to Heroes Square, where they had statues of the founders of Hungary. Gellert Hill was also great, the Hungarian Statue of Liberty is nice and overlooks the city from the top of the hill. There is also a great view from Gellert Hill. We did not go to Golden Dragon, but we did have pastries from some of the different pastry shops. I got myself a bull whip from the market as a souveneir, weren't the shopa al around great?!

Yes Fodors bulletin boards were very useful. I also had help from www.eurotrip.com bulletin boards.

I was in Budapest a few years ago. I am trying to find the name of a great restaurant for a friend. It started with a "G" and was owned by the Estee Lauder family. Can you help me

Do you mean Gundels? It is the fanciest and most expensive retaurant in Budapest. I [and others] recommend its "sister" restaurant, Bagolyvar next door. <BR>

Dan, <BR>How much was the nightly rate at the Kuturinov? How were the rooms? I'm looking for a decent place under $100 per night. It doesn't need to be anything fancy.

We'll be in Budapest Friday-Sunday. Does anyone know if the shops will be open over the weekend here and in Szentendre or will we have to do all our souvenir shopping on Friday? Thanks. <BR> <BR>Anna, we're booked at the Kulturinnov for $75/night double but I now see them advertised for $85/night. <BR>

I *think* they will be open Saturday morning, but I may be mixing my countries. As a tourist haven I expect Szentendre will be open both days, but I'd ask when you get there. <BR>

When we stayed at the Kulturinnov it was 80 dollars flat, so prices are going up fast. It still alot cheaper than it's neighbor the Hilton made for the mega rich. The staff was real nice and the architecture of the hotle is very amazing. It was actually a castle built in neo-baroque style before it was turned into a hotel. From what I've heard there are alot of people who off there home as hostels in the Buda resident district. They have very beautiful houses on the Buda resident district. Mansions built on hills over looking the city. When walking down one of these neighborhoods I saw more than one person paint pictures of the city from there own yards. I also walked next to a rather large house with a tennis court in it's back yard and a sign saying "Open Room, $50 a night" <BR>I forgot it's name, but it is real nice escpecially for those who are a bit tight on there budget but still want somewhere nice to stay.

We stayed with a retired English-speaking attorney, Dr. Walter Fleps. His home overlooks the city. You get a bathroom, bedroom with a view from the terrace, and huge breakfast for around $40/night for 2. You take a bus to the metro & 3 stops you are downtown. They are a very nice couple.

Oops! His address is Bogar utca 20b, 1022 Budapest, Hungary. The phone number is 36-1-326-8170.

All the shops in Szentendre are open every day. <BR>Also in Budapest, not like in Germany, Austria or many European countries, all the big shopping centers(Malls)are open 7 days a week till 9 on weekdays and 6 on week-ends. Very wise thing I think because unfortunately we have to work Monday-Friday. I wish we work only Saturdays-Sundays. <BR>As for the GUNDEL restaurant, it is only <BR>one of the fanciest. The food is probably the worst you have for that price. As for being the most expensive? <BR>I know at least 5 Budapest restaurants that are much more expensive. <BR>For the time being there are no effects of the war (well, 20-30% less visitors from overseas,). From next week we have granted permission for NATO tanker-aircraft to lend in Budapest Ferihegy 1 airport(the old one) and also for NATO planes to use a few of our air-bases in Kecskemet etc. <BR>What's gonna happen after that. No one knows it for now. <BR>You can stay in one of the two private apartments (no owner living next room to you)offered by Ibolya Mozga. <BR>One is next to Hotel Astoria (two rooms) the other one is next to the Basilica(one room). Both have new furniture, cable color TV, microwave, kitchen, bathroom etc. Everything is within 2 (two minutes):sights, stations, subways etc. <BR>You can contact her at my e-mail (she has no computer at home): <BR>[email protected] <BR> <BR>All the best <BR>

We will be in Budapest in September and have reservations at the Kultorinov. Since we are driving, just wondered if they have parking? Did you get a chance to go to the lakes area? What was your favorite restauant? Did you try your hand at the casino? Thanks

Mary Ann, <BR>How did you make your reservations at the Kulturinnov? We tried to reserve using an online form 5 days ago and still haven't heard anything. Did you call, send a fax, or email? We sent a follow up tonight, we're hoping to hear back soon.

We got the numbers out of the 99' Fodor's travel guide to Europe for the Kulturinnov. Here is the number we called for reservations 1/355-0122 <BR> <BR>It might have changed. <BR>